[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 163 (Tuesday, December 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE 30TH VETERANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE PROGRAM

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                          HON. MAC THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2012

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a great community 
program in my district. For thirty years, Mineral Wells ISD and the 
American Legion Post 75 have co-sponsored an outstanding program to 
recognize and honor our nation's veterans. This program is held in the 
high school stadium and is open to all people of the community and the 
area. All school students of Mineral Wells ISD are driven by bus to the 
stadium. This year the program was held on November 12th for an 
audience of approximately 5500.
  Some of the neighboring schools also bring their students to the 
program. The program comprises performances from all campuses of 
Mineral Wells ISD including the kindergarten drill team, choirs from 
the middle school, and students from the junior and senior high 
schools. The high school band performs a pre-ceremony concert while 
attendees get seated. A dance team from the high school performs as 
well.
  This year, Lt. General Richard E. ``Tex'' Brown III (USAF, Ret.) was 
the guest speaker. He was a former graduate of Mineral Wells High 
School. Lt. General Brown spoke of the great respect this area has for 
the military and for veterans. The Master of Ceremonies was LTC Robert 
Clayton Evans (US Army, Ret.). He also was a former graduate of Mineral 
Wells High School, a West Point graduate, and a member of the American 
Legion Post 75. It was a great homecoming for both men.
  American Legion, Sons of the Legion, and American Legion Auxiliary 
state commanders and presidents attended this program. Elected 
officials of the county and school officials also were among the 
platform guests.
  Students from Mineral Wells High School also helped with other duties 
involved with the program. Some passed out programs or helped seat 
groups in the stands. Some passed out small flags to the crowd or 
helped fill red, white, and blue balloons for the final song.
  Local Legion members performed a flag service and presented service 
flags in the program. Another member manned a small cannon to open the 
program after a local pilot presented a flyover to honor our veterans. 
Lunch was served after the program by more local members of the 
American Legion Post 75 family.
  Mineral Wells recognizes the service that veterans have given to our 
country now and in the past with this outstanding program. For that 
reason, Mineral Wells ISD and American Legion Post 75 should be noted 
for their efforts.

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